In the modern era of market consolidation and accelerated transactions, distinctive features (such as trademarks, brand names, distinctive titles, etc.) have acquired particularly high economic value, as they serve not only a distinctive function but also a strong advertising function.
The book, focusing on the phenomenon of conflict between two or more distinctive indications, essentially addresses all the fundamental issues of modern trademark law (scope, systems and claims of protection, risk of confusion, principle of chronological priority, and its function). The relevant issues, which are already the subject of increasing interest in modern legal science and practice, are approached from both a doctrinal and practical perspective, referring to concepts and situations not only in the legal field but also in everyday social life, such as imitation and counterfeiting of trademarks, conflict of similar indications and its resolution, unfair exploitation of foreign reputation, local trademarks, famous trademarks, defensive trademarks, provision marks, etc. Clear and applicable proposals are formulated in relation to the treatment of these issues, while also recording and analyzing the possibilities of legal protection of the interests affected on a case-by-case basis.
The last part of the book is dedicated to the issues concerning the functioning of trademarks within the framework of the Internet. In this context, a legal evaluation of "electronic addresses" ("domain names") is attempted, and their precise legal position in relation to common distinctive features is explored. The book includes a complete list of Greek and foreign bibliography and a detailed index.